DANCE FROM THE HEART to Play Cedar Lake Theater, 1/28-29

Dance from the Heart returns to New York City in a week on Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29, 2013 with shows at 6:30pm & 8:30pm each night at Cedar Lake Theater, 547 W. 26th Street in Manhattan's West Chelsea Historic District. The exciting benefit will feature performances by more than a dozen of the most diverse dancers, dance companies and choreographers working today. Dance from the Heart will present a different program of performances for each night (see schedule below), a poignant anti-bullying number danced by teenagers and the world premiere of a piece choreographed by American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Marcelo Gomes.

Since its inception in 2005, Dance from the Heart has become a platform for extraordinary performers to showcase their artistry and support for Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Tickets are: $30 for the 6:30pm shows and $75 for the 8:30pm shows that also includes a post-performance reception with the cast. There are tickets still available for these special events at dradance.org or by calling 212.840.0770, ext. 229.

Some of the featured performances include: American Dance Machine of the 21st Century, committed to preserving the heritage of musical theatre choreography, presenting Jerome Robbins' jazzy "Mr. Monotony." Al Blackstone, bringing his unique approach to storytelling with a group piece making its premiere at Dance from the Heart. Ayodele Casel, displaying her precision and intricacy of footwork as a tap soloist who is a lightweight in terms of size but not talent. Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, transfixing its audiences with daring athletic movement that integrates ballet into contemporary and popular forms. Nora Chipaumire, taking "The Dying Swan" and turning it on its head in her "Dark Swan" by imposing her raw physicality and style on this well-known classic. Doug Varone and Dancers, mixing small gestures with full-throttle bursts of movement to mine the complexity of the human spirit while taking its audiences breath away. Mark Dendy, known for his wit, searing social commentary and intensity, performing an autobiographical solo about his life struggles. Marcelo Gomes, the Brazilian star of American Ballet Theatre, presenting his own choreography in a premiere pas de deux set to "Mozart-Adagio" by Arvo Pärt. Abdur-Rahim Jackson, former dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, exploring inner reflection in his female duet "mE and mE" with the illusion that the two bodies are one. Jody Oberfelder Dance Projects, performing an excerpt from "Throb," a conceptual and physically demanding work inspired by the biological workings of the heart. Paul Taylor Dance Company, exhibiting Taylor's gift for subtle emotional detail in the beautiful duet from "Cascade," performed by Michael Trusnovec and Michelle Fleet. Project Moves Dance Company, sharing a powerful anti-bullying message of respect and acceptance in an excerpt from "Accept Me." Corey Snide, best known for his performance as "Billy" in Billy Elliot the Musical in London's West End, taking the stage with a crowd-pleasing tap solo. TAKE Dance, depicting the energetic and tireless working man as he races to get ahead of the competition in an excerpt from "Salaryman." Tom Gold Dance, featuring Gold's demanding, non-stop choreography rooted in classical ballet with a contemporary flair.

Dancers Responding to AIDS, founded in 1991 by former Paul Taylor Dance Company members Denise Roberts Hurlin and Hernando Cortez, relies on the extraordinary compassion and efforts of the performing arts community to fund a safety net of social services for those in need. As a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, DRA helps support more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide as well as the essential programs of The Actors Fund. Through these organizations and programs, DRA and Broadway Cares help to ensure that those in need have access to medicines, health care, counseling, a nutritious meal, a safe place to sleep and emergency financial assistance. For more information about Dancers Responding to AIDS, visit dradance.org, follow us at twitter.com/DRA_Dance or like us at facebook.com/DRAdance.